Coral Bleaching: UVR, PAR, and Stressors Impact on Reefs

What are Cnidarians?

A phylum of animals that includes corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones.

What is the primary focus of Tyler Sanford's research?

The effects of ultraviolet (UV) and photoactive (PAR) radiation on corals.

What is the significance of corals in marine ecosystems?

Corals provide underwater structure, act as nurseries for fish, and produce oxygen through symbiosis.

How many species of corals are identified in the Caribbean?

62-75 species.

What percentage of fish depend on coral reefs?

25% of fish depend on reefs.

What is the economic value of coral reefs in the U.S.?

$3.4 billion in tourism, storm damage protection, and fish stock generation.

What is the global economic value of coral reefs?

$7.5 trillion for protein sources and ecological preservation.

What are the main threats to corals?

Mass bleaching events, increasing storm intensity, and human activity.

What is coral bleaching?

The loss of color in corals due to stress, often caused by changes in temperature, light, or water quality.

What are some stressors causing coral bleaching?

Heat, cold, rising pCO2, disease, UV stress, hypo-saline conditions, hypoxia, high nitrate, and high ammonium.

What is the main enemy of corals according to the research?

Climate change.

What is the concept of compounding effects in coral stress?

Multiple stressors can multiply the effects on corals rather than just adding to them.

What is the role of UVR and PAR in coral stress?

Both UVR and PAR can cause stress and damage to corals, affecting their health and survival.

How does UVR penetrate water?

UVR can penetrate roughly 10 meters of water.

What is the purpose of analyzing coral via PCA?

To determine attributes of corals and how they adapt to resist stressors like UVR and PAR.

What is the significance of studying DNA damage in corals?

Understanding DNA damage can reveal cell mechanisms involved in bleaching.

What are some proposed methods to study coral defenses?

Running trials of multiple stressors in combination with UVR/PAR to assess coral defense capabilities.

What are potential remedies for coral bleaching?

Finding solutions to help corals defend themselves better against stressors.

What is the importance of coral reefs to coastal communities?

Coral reefs provide economic, cultural, and ecological value, supporting 1 billion people directly or indirectly.

What is the relationship between coral reefs and biodiversity?

Coral reefs are often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea' due to their high biodiversity.

What is the role of symbiodinium in coral health?

Symbiodinium are algae that live in coral tissues and provide energy through photosynthesis.

What is the proposed research question regarding UVR and PAR?

To determine how UVR and PAR stressors compound with other stressors affecting corals.

What is the expected outcome of understanding coral stressors?

To develop solutions to mitigate coral bleaching and preserve coral ecosystems.

What is the significance of the IMaGeS lab?

The lab focuses on coral research and the impacts of environmental stressors on coral health.

What is the potential impact of coral reef loss?

Loss of coral reefs can lead to economic decline, reduced biodiversity, and increased storm damage.

What are Mycosporins?

Compounds produced by corals that may help protect against UV radiation.

What is the role of geographic location in coral adaptation?

Geographic location can influence how corals adapt to stressors based on local environmental conditions.